Official Secrets is a film adaptation of the true story of Katharine Gun, a British Intelligence specialist who decides to rebel against the British government by leaking a document she comes into contact with at work. The document reveals that the US is slyly enlisting Britain’s help to gain support for the commencement of the Iraq war. Taking a stand for the British public, who Katherine believes would not support what America is asking of Britain, she sends the document to a friend involved in anti-war campaigning, who then passes it into the hands of The Observer newspaper.
Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Katherine Gun, a woman struggling with the consequences of doing the right thing instead of taking the easy option is an eye-opener. Gun’s actions force us to think about the decisions we make in life and how it only takes one person to make a dramatic change in the world – or at least try to. The entire film revolves around her decision to question her morals instead of letting the government and society take control of everything we do.
Meanwhile, Matt Smith’s role as a newspaper journalist Martin Bright is equally important by conveying the power of the press. Gun makes the difficult and incredibly risky decision to leak the documents, but it is Martin Bright and the team of journalists at The Observer that give it a platform and the power to enlighten the British public on what is really going on within government, and to let the NSA know they won’t get away with swaying this massive decision without being exposed.
While the main story revolves around the work and lives of Katherine Gun and Martin Bright, there are elements within the film which differentiate Official Secrets from any other political drama. Katherine’s husband, Yasar (Adam Bakri) is an immigrant, living with her in the UK and working most days at a local coffee shop. However, as Katherine becomes increasingly involved with the police for essentially committing treason, her husband is treated horribly by the UK government services and is almost deported. The heart wrenching scenes between them add emotional depth.
Director Gavin Hood excellently captures this story from the side of both the whistleblower and the journalist, only showing Katherine Gun and Martin Bright meet for the first time right before the trial. Reminiscent of the 2013 leaks by Edward Snowden, Official Secrets has the ability to inspire change and rebellion, while reminding us that there is so much we as the public simply do not know.
